BRIEFING ROOM
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PRESSING STATEMENTS
JAC Statement on the Hostage Return
We recoiled in fear. We cried in pain. We mourned. We felt helpless. We fought. We used our voices when we couldn’t hear theirs. We waited and waited. And now we finally feel some joy.
The hostages are finally free, reunited with their families and friends in a world that has changed dramatically for the Jewish community since that fateful day more than two years ago. But one thing has stayed constant — our unwavering hope that this day would come.
These brave men and women embody the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. Their courage and endurance serve as a shining beacon of hope, symbolizing that even in the face of unimaginable darkness, light and good will always shine through even if it takes days, months, and years.
We pray for their strength in the days ahead as they continue their long journey of healing. We will always stand with them. They will never be forgotten, nor will any of the other victims of this horrific massacre and war. May their memories be for a blessing.
There are still bodies of hostages that have yet to be returned. For those families, their anguish continues. We will not rest until “bring them home” becomes “we brought them all home.”
Am Yisrael Chai.
WHAT'S ON OUR MIND
Ready to Sigh, but Not Fully Exhale
October 13th, 2025
This Shabbat, Israel let out a collective but cautious sigh. Yet no one will allow a full exhale until every hostage is back in the arms of their loved ones. The air is still thick with tension, the nation suspended between hope and heartbreak, riding that relentless emotional roller coaster that has defined the past two years.
The peace plan agreed upon by Israel and Hamas offers a rare glimmer of light amid two years of anguish. But diplomacy is fragile—it can unravel as swiftly as it comes together. For now, Israelis are holding on to a long-forgotten feeling: cautious optimism.
When the hostages finally return home, they will be embraced by a country that has been waiting for them with open hearts. Yet their journey and Israel’s will not end there. Healing will take time. The scars, both visible and unseen, may never fully fade. But perhaps, with peace, they will soften and begin to hurt a little less.
The work ahead will be as delicate as it is essential. Behind the scenes, diplomacy must continue with urgency, wisdom, and steadfast care. The United States must persist in its efforts with Arab partners to ensure that today’s feelings lead to lasting stability. This cannot be just another headline; it must be a turning point. There is too much at stake for Israel, the reigns, and the world.
And even when the hostages return home, our fight will not be finished. Antisemitism continues to grow at an alarming pace. The hatred that fuels violence against Jews still must be addressed. all the while, Israel remains surrounded by nations that want to see it destroyed.
The past two years have significantly transformed Israel, affecting its people, politics, and global standing. Support for Israel, even among Jews, has fallen. We now need to work on healing those divisions. We must reignite the shared vision of Israel as a vibrant, democratic Jewish homeland that symbolizes hope and peace in a turbulent region.
At JAC, we will continue to work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel partnership by electing candidates who believe in Israel’s peace and security and oppose the rising tide of antisemitism and bigotry.
Tonight, our Shabbat candles will glow a bit brighter.
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